Five Inexpensive Vintage Finds to Buy Now at Yard Sales & Thrift Stores
As a dealer and collector of vintage finds, I scour yard sales, estate sales and thrift stores several times a week to search for fun and funky treasures. There are certain items that are still affordable, but have been gradually rising in price. Here are five examples of vintage finds that are not yet in high demand, but on the way. They’re value and appeal will only go up in the future. We’re not talking six-figures-Antiques-Roadshow-type of money, but I'll bet that you will at least double your money in three to five years. These items would be ideal for starting a new collection on the cheap, or for dealers who plan to resell their vintage finds. Here are my bold predictions:
1. Floraline Pottery Keep an eye out for solid-color matte planters marked Floraline. The majority are green or white, but if you are lucky, you'll find the occasional pink or aqua. These were made by McCoy in the 1940s and 1960s, primarily for the florist trade. You can usually find them for less than a dollar. There are a few larger styles that demand $25+, but those are harder to find.
2. State/Town Souvenir Plates Find these at yard sales and thrift stores for a buck or two. Start a collection of all of the states you've visited (a great collection for children, too). Look for these three types:
Retro-style center graphics Pink or aqua rims with gold accents
# Blue/white, red/white or brown/white transferware
3. Pink Luggage Look for train cases, round hat boxes and large hard-sided suitcases. Those with floral lining fabric are even more appealing. These brands are the most prevalent: Samsonite, Travel Master and Royal Traveller.
4. Sports & Gaming Equipment Think shabby, rustic & wooden: golf clubs, baseball bats, bowling pins, fishing rods, lacrosse sticks & oars. The decorating possibilities are endless for a family room, game room or a little boy's room.
5. Aprons Vintage aprons have rapidly been going up in price during the last few years, and will continue to rise, partly due to the release of an excellent reference book aptly named The Apron Book, and the many articles that have been published in home decor magazines such as Country Home and Country Living. Despite the increasing cost, aprons are still a great value, especially those that have hand-embroidery or printed floral designs. Most antique stores are selling aprons for less than $10.
1. Floraline Pottery Keep an eye out for solid-color matte planters marked Floraline. The majority are green or white, but if you are lucky, you'll find the occasional pink or aqua. These were made by McCoy in the 1940s and 1960s, primarily for the florist trade. You can usually find them for less than a dollar. There are a few larger styles that demand $25+, but those are harder to find.
2. State/Town Souvenir Plates Find these at yard sales and thrift stores for a buck or two. Start a collection of all of the states you've visited (a great collection for children, too). Look for these three types:
Retro-style center graphics Pink or aqua rims with gold accents
# Blue/white, red/white or brown/white transferware
3. Pink Luggage Look for train cases, round hat boxes and large hard-sided suitcases. Those with floral lining fabric are even more appealing. These brands are the most prevalent: Samsonite, Travel Master and Royal Traveller.
4. Sports & Gaming Equipment Think shabby, rustic & wooden: golf clubs, baseball bats, bowling pins, fishing rods, lacrosse sticks & oars. The decorating possibilities are endless for a family room, game room or a little boy's room.
5. Aprons Vintage aprons have rapidly been going up in price during the last few years, and will continue to rise, partly due to the release of an excellent reference book aptly named The Apron Book, and the many articles that have been published in home decor magazines such as Country Home and Country Living. Despite the increasing cost, aprons are still a great value, especially those that have hand-embroidery or printed floral designs. Most antique stores are selling aprons for less than $10.